Commission on the Status of Women

A Message from the President

The Commission is dedicated to a broad range of issues affecting women and girls, including violence prevention, gender equality in the workplace, and equal representation on public decision-making bodies. As one of the strongest women's commissions in the country, we have led the way on innovative policies that reduce the incidence of violence against women in our neighborhoods and enhance gender equality in local government and in local companies. We are committed to working with our community partner agencies to ensure the delivery of culturally and linguistically competent services. Language should not be a barrier to seeking help. Please join us at one of our future meetings, which are open to the public. We want to hear from you!

Leadership Opportunities on Boards and Commissions

Friends of the
Commission on the
Status of Women

The Commission on the Status of Women (COSW) is a commission of the City and County of San Francisco whose purpose is to ensure women and girls equal economic, social, political and educational opportunities throughout the city.

Background

The Commission on the Status of Women was established by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1975 after years of advocacy on the part of the San Francisco women's community. In 1994, the voters of San Francisco approved Proposition E, which created a permanent City Department on the Status of Women to carry out the policies of the Commission.

Mission

The San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women promotes equitable treatment and fosters the advancement of women and girls throughout San Francisco through policies, legislation, and programs, both within City and County government and in the private sector, that focus on populations in need.

Programs

The Commission uses a human rights framework to guide its policies and programs. In general, programs include workplace equality, equality in City budgets and programs, promoting women in leadership roles, ending violence against women, and women's health needs. Visit the Department on the Status of Women website for details about the Commission's programs.